U.S. patent application number 10/034948 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-25 for automation of construction and decoration projects.
Invention is credited to Gordon, Thomas A..
Application Number | 20020099725 10/034948 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22985175 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020099725 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gordon, Thomas A. |
July 25, 2002 |
Automation of construction and decoration projects
Abstract
A system for managing a development project for a customer
includes at least one database having data, and allows the customer
to select at least one selected product from at least one of the
databases, and provides for viewing at least one selected product.
The system allows customer to manage a project through a website
and determine how various changes to the project will affect cost,
time and other variables. The system can also allow customer to
collaborate on a development project with installers, architects
and other workers. The system allows customer to match a product to
particular requirements. A kiosk system allows customer to view
various products within the store, make selections through the
kiosk and, potentially, match product to a particular
requirement.
Inventors: |
Gordon, Thomas A.; (South
Glastonbury, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
McCormick, Paulding & Huber
City Place II
185 Asylum Street
Hartford
CT
06103-3402
US
|
Family ID: |
22985175 |
Appl. No.: |
10/034948 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60259491 |
Jan 3, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ; 705/14.53;
705/26.1; 707/999.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0255 20130101;
G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G06Q 10/087 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G06Q 10/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/200 ; 705/14;
705/27 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for managing a development project, said system
comprising: means for generating a personal file for a customer; at
least one database having data; means for allowing said customer to
select at least one selected feature from at least one of said
database; and means for viewing said at least one selected
graphic.
2. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: means for
providing repeated access for said customer.
3. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: means for
allowing said customer to allow access to other types of users.
4. The system according to claim 1 wherein said customer can access
schedule of other users.
5. The system according to claim 1 wherein said means for viewing
is a printing unit allowing said customer to print at least one
selected graphic thereon.
6. The system according to claim 5 wherein said printing unit
prints proofs based on customer selection.
7. The system according to claim 6 wherein said proofs are samples
of wallcovering.
8. The system according to claim 6 wherein said proofs are
wallcoverings such as trim or border to be retained as such.
9. The system according to claim 6 wherein said proofs are samples
of wallcovering such as trim or border to be used a sample.
10. The system according to claim 6 wherein said proofs are printed
on a large sheet material for customer to apply to a final
location.
11. The system according to claim 6 wherein said proofs are printed
on self-adhesive material to be applied to a final location.
12. The system according to claim 6 wherein said printing unit
prints an indicia including information regarding said proof for
future reference and reorder.
13. The system according to claim 5 wherein said printing unit
prints a final product with simulated texture.
14. The system according to claim 5 wherein said printing unit
prints a metallic foil product.
15. The system according to claim 1 wherein said means for viewing
is a monitor unit allowing said customer to view at least one
selected graphic thereon.
16. The system according to claim 1 wherein said means for viewing
is a printing unit for printing said selected graphic on material
with adhesive properties.
17. The system according to claim 1 wherein said means for viewing
is a printing unit for printing said selected graphic for permanent
application on material with adhesive properties.
18. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: at least
one application module allowing said customer to manipulate said
data.
19. The system according to claim 18 wherein said application
module allows calculation of total cost for a project, including
cost for material and labor therefor.
20. The system according to claim 18 wherein said application
module provides automatic scheduling adjustment in response to a
change in said project.
21. The system according to claim 18 wherein said application
module provides automatic cost adjustment in response to a change
in said project.
22. The system according to claim 18 wherein said application
module provides a heuristic suggestion algorithm for providing
refined suggestions to said customer.
23. The system according to claim 18 wherein said application
module provides a coordination algorithm for tracking selections
made by said customer.
24. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: means for
coordinating schedule of said customer with availability date of
materials and schedule of an installer.
25. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: at least
one interaction module allowing said customer to manipulate said
data.
26. The system according to claim 25 wherein said interactive
module prompts said customer for relevant information and based on
provided information outputs suitable choices for said
customer.
27. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: means for
generating instructions for installing a product selected by said
customer.
28. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: means for
generating instructions for tool and accessory requirement for a
product selected by said customer.
29. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: means for
generating delivery instructions for ia product selected by said
customer.
30. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: at least
one help module for providing helpful suggestions to said customer
based on customer selections.
31. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: at least
one help module for providing a help list to said customer based on
customer selections.
32. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: a decorator
module for providing access to a decorator and enabling said
decorator to use said system at a customer location.
33. The system according to claim 32 wherein said decorator module
comprises: a digital camera for capturing an image of said customer
location; and a computer for displaying said image and manipulating
said image.
34. The system according to claim 33 wherein said customer will be
able to preview selections on a computer in its future
environment.
35. The system according to claim 1 wherein said database includes
a plurality of product choices.
36. The system according to claim 1 wherein said database includes
a plurality of paint choices.
37. The system according to claim 1 wherein said database allows
custom mixing of colors.
38. The system according to claim 1 wherein said database allows
custom matching of colors of various products.
39. The system according to claim 1 wherein said database allows
color matching to existing paint.
40. The system according to claim 1 wherein said database allows
color matching to selected wallcovering not yet installed.
41. The system according to claim 1 wherein said database includes
a plurality of wallcovering choices.
42. The system according to claim 1 wherein said database comprises
various construction elements.
43. The system according to claim 1 wherein said database includes
times for completion of various construction tasks.
44. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: means for
coordinating and evaluating color matching of various products,
including wall covering, floor covering, paint, appliances and
window treatments.
45. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: means for
digitally matching color of various products after passing of
time.
46. The system according to claim 1 wherein said system has
capability of running advertisements.
47. The system according to claim 46 wherein said advertisements
are based on customer viewing behavior.
48. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: means for
capturing customer preferences during customer previewing of a
product.
49. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: means for
capturing customer purchases for record keeping and subsequent
reordering.
50. The system according to claim 1 further comprising: a kiosk
located remotely in a retail store and having access to said system
for said customer to access said personal file.
51. The system according to claim 50 wherein said kiosk has
capability of running advertisements during idle time.
52. The system according to claim 51 wherein said advertisements
are based on customer viewing behavior.
53. The system according to claim 1 wherein said system can be
accessed through a world wide web.
54. A system for generating large scale graphics, said system
comprising: at least one database having data regarding various
products; means for selecting at least one product from at least
one of said databases; and a printing unit for printing said
product as a large scale graphic on self adhesive sheet material
for subsequent application.
55. The system according to claim 54 wherein said large scale
graphic is a wallpaper product.
56. The system according to claim 1 wherein said wallpaper product
is a wallpaper border.
57. A kiosk system for selecting a product in a store, said kiosk
system comprising: means for generating a personal file for a
customer; at least one database having data regarding various
products; means for allowing to select at least one selected
product from at least one of said database; and means for viewing
said at least one selected product.
58. The kiosk system according to claim 57 wherein said kiosk
system has capability of running advertisements during idle
time.
59. The kiosk system according to claim 57 further comprising:
means for matching said at least one selected product to other
products.
60. A system for collaborating on a development project for a
customer, said system comprising: means for generating a personal
file for said customer; means for providing repeated access for
said customer; means for allowing said customer to allow access to
other users; at least one database having data; and at least one
interactive module allowing said customer to interact with at least
one of said database to make product selections and to allow said
customer access to schedule of said other users.
61. A system for matching at least one product, said system
comprising: at least one database having data regarding various
products; means for allowing said customer to match and select at
least one matched product from at least one of said database to
match a particular color; and means for printing said at least one
matched graphic.
62. A method for selecting a wallpaper product, said method
comprising the steps of: prompting a customer to input customer
password; determining whether the customer has been previously
registered; retrieving previously input customer preferences, if
available; checking with the customer whether the previously input
customer preferences still valid; prompting the customer for a
plurality of personal preferences; providing a plurality of samples
to the customer in response to the input personal preferences; and
allowing the customer to choose one or more samples from the
provided plurality of samples.
63. The method of claim 19 further comprising a subsequent step of:
printing each of chosen samples on a printer unit.
64. A method for selecting a wallpaper product through an in-store
kiosk, the method comprising the steps of: providing a terminal in
a store; allowing access to a customer in response to input
customer identification password; determining whether the customer
has been previously registered; retrieving previously input
customer preferences, if available; checking with the customer
whether the previously input customer preferences still valid;
prompting the customer for a plurality of personal preferences in
response to a plurality of prompts; providing a plurality of
selected samples in response to customer personal preferences;
allowing the customer to select one or more samples from the
plurality of selected samples; and running advertisements on said
terminal when said terminal is not in use.
65. A method for coordinating and managing a development project
for a customer, said method comprising the steps of: generating a
personal file on a website for said customer; allowing input of
personal information regarding said project into the personal file;
providing access to said personal information to authorized users;
providing privileged access to privileged users; and providing
means for manipulating said personal information to said customer
and said privileged users.
66. The method for coordinating and managing a development project
according to claim 65 further comprising intermediate steps of:
verifying whether said customer previously registered; retrieving
previously stored data regarding said customer; and verifying with
said customer whether said previously stored data remains
valid.
67. The method for coordinating and managing a development project
according to claim 65 further comprising an intermediate step of:
providing means for calculating cost, labor and material for said
project.
68. A method for selecting a product, said method comprising the
steps of: prompting a customer to input customer password;
determining whether the customer has been previously registered;
retrieving previously input customer preferences, if available;
checking with the customer whether the previously input customer
preferences still valid; prompting the customer for a plurality of
personal preferences; providing a plurality of samples to the
customer in response to the input personal preferences; and
allowing the customer to choose one or more samples from the
provided plurality of samples.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority and benefit of Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/259,491 filed Jan. 3, 2001 which is
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates to automation of construction and
decoration projects and, more particularly, to improvement
therefor.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] The advent of worldwide web or internet has revolutionized
and automated many aspects of our lives. For example, orders for
stocks can be placed over the internet, clothing and wares can be
purchased without leaving home, and wealth of information and news
can be instantaneously downloaded to one's computer. However, some
aspects of everyday life have remained painfully time-consuming and
logistically frustrating. For example, selection of wallpaper,
paint, flooring and/or appliances for either a new construction or
a redecoration project is a long and highly labor-intensive
process. To date, there are a number of unresolved problems and
drawbacks to the process.
[0006] During a construction or a structural remodeling phase,
coordinating between the architect, homeowner, contractor,
subcontractors, painters, and interior decorators is a hassle, at
best. It takes weeks and months to determine cost and schedule of a
project. The problem becomes exacerbated if and when the customer
wants to make a change. Informing everyone involved that a change
has taken place can be a daunting task. However, getting feedback
from contractor and subcontractors regarding cost and scheduling
changes as a result of the change in the plans can seem an
absolutely impossible undertaking. Furthermore, even cost estimates
received from contractors may not include material price changes
for items, such as flooring, paint, wallpaper and so forth.
Currently, the effort requires multiple phone calls and faxes among
all the involved parties.
[0007] Selection of finishing materials, and more importantly,
coordination thereof can take what seems an eternity and often does
not yield the desired results. For example, selecting paint colors
still requires a trip to a store and a small, if any, sample of
color. That does not always reflect how the room will look when a
much larger surface area, such as a wall, will be painted.
Furthermore, once a selection of paint is made, the small sample
will have to be taken to a flooring supply store, tile store,
appliance store, to ensure that all colors are matched and properly
coordinated. Coordinating color of a new or existing appliance is
especially difficult since color swatches for appliances do not
exist and the appliance itself is not generally portable.
[0008] One of the worst experiences one will probably encounter is
selecting wallpaper. Typically, a store will have dozens of books
with samples (pages) of different wallpaper secured therein.
Customers will have to go through each book to determine what type
and general style of paper they like. Once the customer narrows
down to a certain number of books, she/he will have to go through
each book to select several choices of wallpaper. One problem that
arises is that many stores loan these books to customers. Thus, the
store could be missing quite a number of books at any one time,
precluding other customers from seeing all the books. Another
problem is that some customers cut out samples of paper they want,
eliminating these samples from being further selected by others.
However, even if the book is available, it is difficult to predict
and visualize how the paper will look on the wall with particular
lighting. The sample books themselves are quite heavy and difficult
to transport. They are clumsy and impossible to view in place at
more than arms length.
[0009] From the standpoint of a store owner, the store must first
purchase these dozens of wallpaper books, each of which can be very
costly, maintain these books in somewhat of an order within the
store, and provide valuable and often expensive floor space for
storing these books. Additionally, the store must frequently
replace the books if pages have been damaged or entirely ripped
out. Furthermore, the store owner must track which books have been
loaned and, at least, attempt to secure timely return of the loaned
books.
[0010] From the standpoint of a wallpaper manufacturer, the sample
books represent a significant investment. Patterns that prove to be
unpopular, still must be inventoried and have the same cost
structure as the most popular styles. Many of the most popular
designs do not receive sufficient exposure since it is likely that
the most popular selections are ripped out with the most frequency
or are more often taken home by a customer. Also, the manufacturer
does not obtain accurate feedback regarding what models are most
popular since it is not known how long ago these models of the
wallpaper have been missing from the book.
[0011] Another drawback to the existing process is that even if the
owner chooses to undertake repainting, expansion or any other
construction or redecoration project that requires matching of the
existing colors to new colors in a number of years after the
initial project, no one usually remembers or has samples of the
existing colors. Therefore, matching the older versions of
selections becomes nearly impossible.
[0012] Therefore, it would be desirable to improve and simplify the
process of coordinating a construction project and/or a
redecoration project.
SUMMARY
[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
system for managing a development project for a customer includes
at least one database having data, means for allowing the customer
to select at least one selected product from at least one of the
databases, and means for viewing said at least one selected
product. The system allows customer to manage a project through a
website and determine how various changes to the project will
affect cost, time and other variables.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
system for collaborating on a development project for a customer
includes means for generating a personal file for the customer,
means for providing repeated access to the customer, means for
allowing the customer to allow access to other users, at least one
database having data, and at least one interactive module allowing
the customer to interact with at least one of the databases to make
product selections and to allow the customer access to schedule of
the other users. The system allows customer to collaborate on a
development project with installers, architects and other
workers.
[0015] According to a further embodiment of the present invention,
a system for generating large scale graphics includes at least one
database having data regarding various products, means for
selecting at least one product from at least one of the databases,
and a printing unit for printing the product as a large scale
graphic on self adhesive sheet material for subsequent application.
The system allows printing of proofs as well as replacement pieces
of wallpaper and other wallcoverings that do not require large
quantities, such as borders and trim.
[0016] According to a further embodiment of the present invention,
a kiosk system for selecting a product in a store includes means
for generating a personal file for a customer, at least one
database having data regarding to various products, means for
allowing to select at least one selected product from at least one
of the databases, and means for viewing at least one selected
product. The system allows customer to view various products within
the store, make selections through the kiosk and, potentially,
match product to a particular requirement.
[0017] According to a further embodiment of the present invention,
a system for matching at least one product includes at least one
database having data regarding various products, means for allowing
the customer to match and select at least one matched product from
at least one of the databases to match a particular color, and
means for printing at least one matched graphic. The system allows
customer to match a product to particular requirements.
[0018] The foregoing and other advantages of the present invention
become more apparent in light of the following detailed description
of the exemplary embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for managing a
development project for a customer, according to the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a sheet material generated
through use of the system of FIG. 1 to be placed onto a wall;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a decorator's module utilizing
the system of FIG. 1; and
[0022] FIG. 4 is a flow chart diagram of a method for coordinating
and managing a development project for a customer using the system
of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] A system 10 for managing a development project includes a
dedicated website 12 accessible via world wide web or internet. The
website 12 includes a plurality of personal files 14, one for each
customer for a project. Each personal file 14 is set up for the
purpose of including project data and/or information. The customer
has a customer identification password or number. The system 10
also includes at least one database 16. The databases include data
and lists, including samples, of wallpaper, paint colors, appliance
style and colors, floor coverings, draperies, blinds and
accessories as well as construction variables such as: windows,
doors, trim, lumber variety, lighting fixtures and many other
elements. The databases 16 may also include cost and delivery
information regarding each item.
[0024] The system 10 also includes one or more application modules
20 for performing various functions, applications and/or
operations. One such application has capabilities for providing
immediate cost estimates once selection is made and dimensions are
either input or obtained from the existing file. A further
application includes scheduling estimates for the project and in
the event of a construction design change once work has commenced.
Another application includes a heuristic suggestion algorithm that
is continually refined based on the responses of the users. A
further application is a coordination algorithm that keeps track of
selections that were already made. Additional applications can be
also implemented to aid the process of managing and coordinating a
project.
[0025] The system 10 may further include at least one interactive
module 22 that allows the master customer to fill out a profile,
on-line, regarding demographic information, financial constraints,
and other personnel preferences, such as overall style preference,
color preference and others. Based on the input information, the
interactive module provides a list of suitable choices, selections
or suggestions. The interactive module 22 may also include
scheduling information regarding each of the contractors, such as
access to the contractors' individual calendars.
[0026] The system 10 may also include at least one archive module
24 that stores previous data regarding the customer, project or
other information. Thus, if the master customer had previously
purchased paint, wallpaper, appliances or has made any other
choices, these previous selections are factored into a suggestion
list that is subsequently presented to the customer. The customer
could then narrow down the selection to several choices.
[0027] The system 10 also includes a printer unit 26 that has a
printer with sheet or roll material 30. The material 30 includes a
top printable layer or substrate 32, and possibly, a removable
backing sheet 34 with an adhesive layer 36 sandwiched therebetween,
as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, a light tack adhesive can be
used, either pre-applied to the substrate or applied to the back of
the material at the time of printing. The printing unit 26 has the
capability of carefully matching color to the actual wallpaper
manufacturer's design. The printing unit also has capability of
simulating texture or at least printing on a variety of textured
materials. Once the customer has made at least one selection,
he/she would print out the selected sample on the printer unit 26.
The sample can be printed in a large form on the sheet or roll
material. Once the printer completes printing one or more samples,
the customer can bring those samples home and, if desired, adhere
the sample wallpaper or large scale paint color swatch onto a wall
40.
[0028] The customer does not need to save the samples for future
reference, since this system has the capability of archiving the
selection for future reference.
[0029] The system may also include a plurality of help modules 42
and complimentary product modules 44. Once a customer has made a
selection of a certain product, such as wallpaper, the help module
42 will post a checklist of required tools and accessories needed
for the customer to complete the project on his own. The
complimentary product module 44 will provide a list of contractors
and/or wallpaper professionals for the demographic area of the
customer and other complimentary lists. Since the system 1o
understands the exact dimensions of the specific job, cost
estimating for the installation labor can be performed remotely at
this time. The job can even be scheduled remotely as the system
ties in with the calendars of all the listed installers.
[0030] The customer also has an option of providing various forms
of access to other users. For example, there may be authorized
and/or privileged users, each type having varying degrees of
access. Privileged users have the ability to access the data and
introduce changes thereto. Authorized users will be able to obtain
information and data without the ability to make changes.
[0031] According to a feature of the present invention, a
decorator's module 50 is available for interior decorators and
design consultants. The decorator's module 50 includes a laptop
computer 52 and a digital camera 54, as shown in FIG. 3. Each room
of a customer's house can be photographed with the digital camera
54. The digitized image can be viewed on the laptop 52. Once the
decorator suggests or a customer makes selection of paint,
wallpaper, trim color, wall coverings, curtains and other
accessories, these selections can be displayed in the digitized
room. The selections can be colored over the customer's room and
coordinated therein. The decorator's module 50 would be connected
to the dedicated website via the internet connection or incorporate
the system 10 either entirely or partially. The customer will have
an opportunity to view on the computer the selection that he or she
has made and how it would look in the room. The resulting sample
room view can also be printed for future reference.
[0032] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the access to the site could be available through a store kiosk 60,
as best seen in FIG. 1. The kiosk, or a stand-alone computer, that
communicates with the website can be placed in a store for the
customers to have access to their data while they are actually
shopping. An independent kiosk can be used in a store setting. The
independent kiosk would contain and include interior decorating
products and tips in the database of each manufacturer. The kiosk
could also incorporate the system described herein either partially
or entirely. The kiosks could be also used to display various
advertisements or information during idle time tied in with the
specific products of interest or general advertising for local or
national advertising campaigns.
[0033] In operation, a customer accesses world wide web site 12, as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and indicated by numeral 70 in FIG. 4.
Subsequent to customer accessing the site 12, the system 10 would
check through its archived files and modules 24 whether the
customer is a repeat customer, as indicated by numeral 72 in FIG.
4. If the customer is a repeat customer, then the system 10 would
retrieve archived data regarding the customer, as indicated by 74.
Subsequently, the system would prompt the customer to verify that
the archived information is still valid, as indicated by 76. If the
customer indicates that the archived information is no longer
valid, the system will prompt the customer to update the necessary
information, as indicated by 78. Such information can be used for
subsequent target marketing.
[0034] If the customer is a new customer, a new customer file 14 is
created on the website, as indicated by 80. The file is accessible
from anywhere through a connection to the world wide web. A
customer password is generated for the customer, as shown by 82.
The customer password allows the customer to repeatedly access
his/her personal file. The customer password also allows the
customer to grant access to other types of users, such as
privileged and/or authorized users, as indicated by 84. The
privileged users have the ability to repeatedly access the file and
also modify the data. For example, a privileged user may be an
architect whose input would include a set of architectural
drawings. The architect, as a privileged user, will have the
capability to change the drawings and/or introduce other
information to the personal file.
[0035] Either customer or privileged user will input information
and data regarding exact dimensions and parameters of any project,
including construction of a house or other structure, as indicated
by 86. The exact dimensions of every room can be input for
subsequent calculation of material and labor required to finish
that room or any other particular space. The dimensions will enable
the software to provide material and labor cost information in
broken down format, such as costs of lumber, paint or wallpaper and
cost of labor therefor.
[0036] An authorized user, such as a contractor, who will be
responsible for building the project to the architectural plans,
will have limited access. The authorized user may be able to post
notes and progress reports as well as estimates for the customer to
access. The authorized user would also be able to obtain the
necessary information from the website, without capability of
changing or modifying the data in the file. Other authorized users,
such as flooring, painting and decorating professionals, may be
given limited access to the personal file to obtain information and
data therefrom.
[0037] In the event that a customer or architect introduces a
change to the initial plans, the system 10 would provide them with
feedback regarding changes in the schedule, and labor and material
costs as a result of the change to the original plans. The system
would access the databases 16 to obtain cost of the material, use
one of the application modules 20 to do calculations, and gather
information from the personal file 14 regarding the size of the
room to recalculate the cost of the change. Databases 16 are
maintained current providing a direct link back to product
manufacturers. The customer would have ability of substituting
various minor materials such as wallpaper or paint into the program
or major alterations such as wall locations, addition of windows,
altering cabinet locations with the system providing cost and
schedule estimates for various choices the customer would make.
[0038] Thus, once the customer has input all the information and/or
updated the existing information, the customer will have an
opportunity to interact with the web site 12 and manipulate data in
numerous ways, as indicated by 88. One goal of the present
invention is to provide an improved method for a customer to select
products such as wallpaper, paint colors, draperies and
accessories, blinds, appliances and other items necessary to
complete a decoration or construction project, as indicated by go.
Therefore, customer could access one of the systems databases 16
that includes samples of the necessary product. For example, if
customer needs to select wallpaper, the system 10, using its
heuristic algorithm and the interactive module 22, would prompt the
customer to answer a number of questions, therefore, limiting and
focusing selection of wallpapers that the system 10 would present
to the customer. Once a certain selection is presented to the
customer, the customer could select several choices from the given
sample list.
[0039] Once the choices are made, the customer could print one or
more samples on the printer, as indicated by 92. The printer has
capabilities of matching color and texture of the chosen wallpaper
or other products. The sample is printed on a generous piece of
material that can be brought home. The high quality printer can be
located in a store or a central location. The customer can print a
sample in a store and bring the sample home. Alternatively, the
customer can request the sample to be printed for him/her either at
the store or central location (such as a website administrator) and
then mailed to the customer. Once at home, the paint or wallpaper
sample can be applied to the wall, or printed carpet, tile, vinyl,
laminate, or simulated wood sample could be applied to the floor
for evaluation in a home setting, as shown in FIG. 2. The generous
self-adhesive sample would allow the customer to make a better
decision regarding his/her selection under real conditions. If a
customer does have a printer, the samples can be printed by the
customer at home.
[0040] Additionally, based on what particular product the customer
is interested in, the help module 42 could provide the customer
with a list of decorating tips or helpful suggestions, as indicated
by 94. Also, the complimentary products module 44, based on
customer selection, could provide the customer with complimentary
products and a checklist of required tools and accessories or names
of contractors that are skilled to install the chosen products, as
indicated by 96.
[0041] Furthermore, as discussed above, the customer can obtain
cost estimates and change in schedules, as indicated by 98,
100.
[0042] The kiosk option could be placed in any wallpaper or paint
or other types of store and be connected to the website 12. If the
kiosk 60 is connected to the website 12, the customer could access
his/her personal data through the kiosk 60 and the website 12. For
example, if the customer is in a store and does not remember exact
dimensions, the customer could access the website 12 to obtain the
dimensions and other necessary information through the kiosk.
However, the kiosk 60 could be a stand-alone unit that includes
databases with certain products and incorporates most or all
features located on the website 12. The kiosk 60 located in various
stores could also include advertisements during idle time. For
example, if the kiosk is not being used by the customer, the
retailer may choose to run certain advertisements thereon.
[0043] The system of the present invention has many benefits to
customers, contractors, and product manufacturers. The main benefit
of the system to the customer is that it improves and streamlines
selection process of products for a construction or redecoration
project. The system eliminates the need of going back and forth
between various stores and home and allows for easy color/style
matching. The system also eliminates the need for bringing bulky
wallpaper books home. The customers could also place orders from
home without the need of making multiple trips to the store.
Additionally, the customer has reasonable sized samples that can be
either retained or thrown away. Some graphics, such as wall borders
can be printed and retained. Additionally, if a portion of
wallpaper has been damaged, customer may print the needed amount of
wallpaper to replace the damaged portion. The sample size and
ability of the sample to be secured to the wall allows customers to
get a better idea of how the final product would look in his/her
environment. Furthermore, the selection profile would remain with
the website for future purchases. The system could also serve as a
fine art proofer for samples and actual fine art reproductions or
gicl'ees.
[0044] The benefits to the retailer are also great. First, it
eliminates the need for keeping wallpaper books in the store and
multiple samples of other products. Elimination of maintaining
wallpaper books in the store and multiple samples of other products
allows the retailer to free up valuable floor space in the store.
Furthermore, elimination of wallpaper books and multiple samples
saves significant amount of money for the manufacturer,
distributor, and retailer. The system 10 also eliminates the need
to keep the wallpaper book library current, the need to track books
that have been loaned, and the need to replace the books that have
not been returned. Furthermore, the system of the present invention
offers the retailer a unique opportunity for marketing. The shop
name can be printed on each of the proof samples, therefore,
keeping the shop name and phone number in front of the customer.
Second, the shop can supply through its help and complimentary
modules 42, 44 offers and suggestions regarding its other products
and/or affiliated installers. The retailer also has access to
database of customer profiles, thereby enabling the retailer to
cater to specific customer needs. This affords the retailer with a
target marketing opportunity only available up to now over the
Internet. The Internet excels in target marketing where an offer is
made to a specific customer based on his browsing trail interest.
Now, for the first time, a retailer has the same target marketing
opportunity. Promotions at retail can now be designed and tailored
to a single person--"That wallpaper is nice, but this similar
design by another manufacturer is better quality at a lower price .
. . The paint that matches that wallpaper is on sale if you order
it at the same time . . . If you carpet only one additional room,
installation will be free, today only . . . The matching wallpaper
border is 50% off with the order . . . Customers like you have
decorated like this" to name just a few.
[0045] The benefits to manufacturers of products are also many. For
example, for manufacturers of wallpaper products, the need to
produce and maintain many of the sample books is eliminated. With
sample selection being accessed through the web, the manufacturers
do not have to concern themselves with certain wallpaper samples
being missing from the book and, therefore, not getting the proper
exposure. The wallpaper manufacturers can also obtain real time,
critical point of purchase data on which products are most
successful never before available to them.
[0046] While the present invention has been illustrated and
described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof, it
should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, that
various modifications to this invention may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For
example, although for clarity references are made to archive
modules, help modules, complimentary modules, interactive modules,
and application modules, these functions do not need to be
segregated and can be operating jointly. It is within the scope of
the present invention that equivalent functionality can be
implemented using a variety of software and firmware techniques
that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally,
various combinations of various features described herein can be
combined into a system.
* * * * *